Enhancing Spiritual Experiences
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is undertaking a significant initiative to develop spiritual, mythological, and religious sites across the state, with an investment of INR 4415.55 crore. The projects include foundational amenities at 1620 religious tourism spots and 140 projects involving ghats and pilgrimage routes. These initiatives have received proposals from legislators, Members of Parliament, and other public representatives. The developments are ongoing at various locations such as Ayodhya, Vindhyachal Mirzapur, Naimisharanya Sitapur, Prayagraj, Maa Shakumbhari Devi Saharanpur, and Shukratal Muzaffarnagar.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the major development projects undertaken over the last seven years. For example, projects in the Ayodhya district include establishing tourist facilities along the Chaudah Kosi Marg for INR 12.10 crore and restoration and tourism infrastructure development work amounting to INR 19.19 crore at 14 religious tourism sites.
Additionally, there are focused efforts on tourism development and construction work along various pilgrimage routes, such as the Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama Marg and the Panchakosi Parikrama Marg, with substantial budgets allocated for these projects. In districts like Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Mathura, specific tourism development projects are being carried out, including constructing corridors, enhancing pilgrim facilities, and developing cultural attractions like sound and light shows.
The overall tourism development plan also includes developing pilgrimage yatra paths and strengthening pilgrimage routes and tourism facilities at various religious sites.